6 Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds 2023

The first one on our list is Sony WF-1000XM5. The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are certainly impressed with their sleek design and advanced features. The smaller charging case is a noticeable improvement over the previous model, and the earbuds themselves are now 20% lighter and 25% smaller, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods.

One standout feature is the wind noise reduction structure, which significantly improves call quality in windy environments. Additionally, the integration of AI machine learning and a bone conductor sensor ensures that your voice comes through crystal clear during calls.

When it comes to active noise canceling, Sony has raised the bar once again. The WF-1000XM5 boasts a 20% reduction in noise compared to its predecessor, thanks to the addition of three microphones on each earbud and a new integrated processor. The inclusion of DSEE Extreme processing and support for hi-res audio and 360 Reality Audio further enhances the listening experience.

Another notable improvement is the expanded touch controls, allowing users to adjust playback, sound modes, and volume simultaneously. While the bass may not be as pronounced as in previous models, the clarity and detail in the sound are exceptional. The XM5s deliver a balanced and precise audio experience that will please audiophiles.

In conclusion, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds offer a compelling package of design, technology, and sound quality. They excel in call quality and noise cancellation while delivering an impressive audio performance. 
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Next up we have the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. The Bose QC Earbuds II marks a notable evolution from their predecessors, with immediately noticeable design improvements. These earbuds are approximately one-third smaller than the original QC Earbuds, without compromising on comfort. They surpass bulkier competitors like the Sony XM4 and even the smaller Sony XM5 in terms of both comfort and security.

The new ear tips are exceptionally soft and flexible, ensuring a comfortable fit without any discomfort. The ‘stability bands’ replace the previous rubber wings, providing a secure grip during extended listening sessions. Unlike the original QuietComfort Earbuds, where ear tips and wings were integrated, these new earbuds are easier to adjust and fit snugly.

One standout feature is CustomTune sound calibration technology. When inserted, the earbuds emit a brief tone, calibrating audio and ANC performance based on your ear canal’s acoustic response. While offering up to six hours of battery life and quick charging, they lack wireless charging and multipoint connectivity found in some competitors.

The Bose Music app complements these earbuds, allowing customization of touch controls and noise-cancelling presets. Regarding audio performance, these earbuds live up to Bose’s reputation for excellence, delivering a balanced sound profile that faithfully reproduces music across various genres. Whether it’s hip-hop or classical music, they excel at handling subtle details, textures, and dynamic ranges, providing a captivating listening experience.

In conclusion, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II justify their premium price with a smaller, more comfortable design, exceptional sound quality, and effective noise cancellation.

The Apple Airpods Pro-2 is on our list as well. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 maintains an almost identical design to their predecessor, making them nearly indistinguishable when placed side by side. The only noticeable changes are the repositioned vents and microphones. However, these subtle adjustments don’t take away from the sleek and familiar bud-and-stem design.

The AirPods Pro 2 offers improved touch controls, including swiping up and down on the stems to adjust the volume. These controls are compatible with both iOS and Android devices, although Siri integration is exclusive to iOS.

The AirPods Pro 2 boast enhanced noise cancellation, claiming to cancel out twice as much noise as their predecessors. While the exact data may be difficult to verify, the improved noise cancellation is noticeable and competitive with other leading earbuds in the market.

These earbuds offer detailed audio quality, particularly in conveying subtle details and Dolby Atmos spatial audio. However, some users may find the higher frequencies slightly fatiguing, and the low-end could be richer depending on the music genre.

The AirPods Pro 2 offer improved battery life, with up to 30 hours of charge in the case and six hours of use on a single charge. However, actual performance may vary slightly from these figures.

In summary, the AirPods Pro 2 offer several enhancements over their predecessors, including improved comfort, touch controls, noise cancellation, and audio quality.

Next up we have the EarFun Air Pro 3. The Earfun Air Pro 3 is an affordable and well-rounded option in the noise-canceling earbud market. The plastic build of both the earbuds and charging case, while not premium, is lightweight and portable, making it practical for daily use. 

One notable feature is the inclusion of four different sizes of ear tips, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for most users. The earbuds stay in place during various activities, even light jogging, thanks to their ergonomic design. The IPX5 rating adds durability, making them suitable for outdoor use. 

In terms of technology, the Earfun Air Pro 3 impresses with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, multipoint capability, and compatibility.

The hybrid active noise-cancellation powered by Qualcomm’s QuietSmart 2.0 technology promises to adapt to your surroundings for an improved listening experience. While the active noise cancellation does reduce the total playback time, it’s still commendable

Battery life is a strong suit, with up to nine hours of use on a single charge and an additional 36 hours from the case. Fast charging via the USB-C port ensures you’re back to full power in no time. 

In terms of sound quality, the Earfun Air Pro 3 offers a bass-forward profile that may appeal to some listeners. However, it lacks the nuance and tonal variation found in other premium options.

In conclusion, the Earfun Air Pro 3 offers great value for the budget-conscious consumer, delivering impressive battery life, good noise-canceling, and a comfortable fit.

Next up we have the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds. The WF-1000XM4, succeeding the WF-1000XM3 and preceding the WF-1000XM5, brings remarkable improvements in both design and performance. Sony has significantly shrunk the case and earbuds for the Mark four models without sacrificing performance.

In terms of design, the WF-1000XM4 adopts a more conventional earbud shape, providing a discreet and secure fit, even during active pursuits like running. However, individuals with smaller ears may find them slightly bulkier compared to some competitors.

The standout feature of these earbuds is their exceptional noise-canceling capabilities, rivaling industry leaders. Sony’s new custom chipset, the V1, significantly enhances sound quality and noise cancellation. They excel at reducing various environmental noises, matching the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.

The redesigned earbuds themselves feature a rounded body with a premium matte finish and subtle accents. The IPX4 water resistance rating is a notable upgrade, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.

The WF-1000XM4 comes with polyurethane ear tips, ensuring a stable fit while reducing external noise. Customizable touchpad controls on each earpiece provide convenient access to volume, playback, and noise-canceling modes. 

Sound quality is where these earbuds truly shine. They deliver exceptional bass reproduction with remarkable detail and clarity in lower frequencies. Beyond bass, they offer clarity and rhythmic precision across the entire audio spectrum, making them versatile for various music genres.

In conclusion, Sony has delivered an outstanding package with the WF-1000XM4 earbuds. They offer a sleek design, impressive noise canceling, top-notch sound quality, and a user-friendly experience, all at a competitive price point.

Last but not least, the Beats Fit Pro is on our list as well. The Fit Pro sounds really good, particularly for fitness-focused earbuds. They have a well-balanced and fully-rounded sound that suits a variety of genres. They can produce deep notes with a thump when needed but the bass is kept from overriding the good treble and high notes. Vocals are excellent, instrument separation is good and they handle complex tracks well.

Beats Fit Pro benefits from the H1 chip, offering seamless setup, instant battery status access, customizable controls, and Siri voice control. Bluetooth connectivity is solid, with an H1 chip for easy pairing with Apple devices.

Unlike touch-sensitive controls, these earbuds use reliable button presses for music playback and toggling between ANC and Transparency modes. Notably, they offer volume control on the earbuds, a feature lacking in the Beats Studio Buds and AirPods Pro.

The earbuds house a proprietary 9.5mm driver unit designed specifically for ANC, delivering lively and enjoyable sound across various music genres. With six built-in microphones, including dual beam-forming mics, the Beats Fit Pro excels in active noise cancellation, Transparency mode, and call quality. 

Battery performance is decent, offering around five hours of continuous use, A five-minute quick charge provides an hour of playtime.

In summary, the Beats Fit Pro earbuds offer a compelling alternative to AirPods, combining fitness-focused design, secure fit, color options, and excellent sound quality.